How to Change the Heat Sensor on a GE Oven

by Ian Kelly

Oven temperature on a General Electric electric range is controlled by a thermostatic oven sensor working in conjunction with the oven temperature dial. If your oven fails to heat up properly due to a faulty oven sensor, the control panel displays one of the following fault codes: F2, F3, F4 or F20, depending on the specific oven model. If this happens, you can save money by replacing the sensor yourself in less than half an hour.

1 Unplug the power cord, open the door and remove the oven racks.

2 Locate the oven sensor between the two prongs of the upper heating element protruding through the back of the oven. Use a 7/16 inch nut driver to remove the single screw securing the sensor to the back of the oven.

3 Pull the sensor out as you carefully feed the wire through the hole to access the connector. Squeeze the tabs on the side of the connector, pull the plug out of its socket and discard the old sensor. Leave the wire hanging for the new sensor. If the connector is inaccessible from inside the oven, go to the next Step.

4 Slide the range away from the wall. Use the nut driver to remove the five screws securing the rear panel to the back of the range, and lay the panel aside. Identify the sensor wire and unplug the connector as described above.

5 Connect the new oven sensor wire by pushing the connector into the plug until the tabs lock into place. Feed the wire back through the hole and secure the new sensor to the inside back of the oven with the single screw removed earlier. Replace the rear panel, if applicable.

6 Reinstall the oven racks and close the oven door. Plug the power cord back into the wall socket and push the range back against the wall, if needed.

7 Place an oven thermometer on the middle rack, close the door and preheat the oven to a set temperature for about 15 minutes. After preheating, check the oven thermometer to ensure the oven sensor works properly. You may need to adjust the dial on your oven for accuracy.

Items you will need

7/16 inch nut driver

Oven thermometer

Tips

Most GE oven models use oven sensor part number WB21T10007. Verify before purchasing.

Follow the same procedures, depending upon your GE oven model, for replacing a temperature sensor in a gas oven.

References

Resources

About the Author

After graduating from the University of the Witwatersrand and qualifying as an aircraft engineer, Ian Kelly joined a Kitchen remodeling company and qualified as a Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD). Kelly then established an organization specializing in home improvement, including repair and maintenance of household appliances, garden equipment and lawn mowers.